Detergent Drawer Adapter Layout for Easier Reservoir Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with detergent storage containers are cumbersome to handle due to bulky removal units and long hoses, making it difficult to access and manage detergent reservoirs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a storage container in a drawer with a suction tube protruding from above, an adapter unit that can be placed on the drawer for easy coupling and decoupling, and a level sensor cable connection, along with a cover that reduces detergent sloshing and spilling during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suction tube is arranged on the adapter unit, then the adapter unit can be easily removed, but the adapter unit becomes bulky and requires large movement space
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is extracted from the adapter unit and fixed to the drawer instead. This separates the suction function from the removable adapter unit, making the adapter unit compact and easy to handle while maintaining the suction capability through the fixed tube.
2Ease of operation
If the suction tube is arranged on the adapter unit, then the adapter unit can be easily positioned, but the hose becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is extracted from the adapter unit and fixed to the drawer. This allows the hose to connect directly from the pump to the fixed suction tube entrance, significantly shortening the hose length while the adapter unit remains easily positionable on the reservoir.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter unit is bulky, then it can accommodate all components, but it becomes difficult to access and handle
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube and level sensor cable are extracted from the adapter unit and fixed to the drawer. This reduces the adapter unit to a compact interface component that is easy to handle, while the fixed suction tube and sensors provide the necessary functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into fixed components (suction tube, level sensor, hose connection) attached to the drawer, and a removable adapter unit. This segmentation allows the adapter unit to be compact and easy to handle while the fixed components provide comprehensive functionality.
4Volume of moving object
If the suction tube is fixed to the drawer, then the adapter unit becomes compact, but the coupling and decoupling mechanism must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is extracted from the adapter unit and fixed to the drawer with a simple connection. This simplifies the coupling mechanism between the adapter unit and the drawer, as the adapter unit only needs to interface with the fixed suction tube entrance rather than containing the tube itself.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances handling ease by reducing the bulkiness of the removal unit, shortening hoses, and preventing detergent leakage, while allowing for efficient detergent management and filling without risking spills.
Implementation Method 1
at least one suction tube is arranged on the drawer, which protrudes into the reservoir from above and is used to remove detergent
Implementation Method 2
the adapter unit has at least one valve, via which the suction tube can be connected to the hose. When the adapter unit is placed on the drawer and thus brought into its use position, the valve is automatically opened
Implementation Method 3
at least one level sensor is also arranged on the drawer, which protrudes from above into the at least one storage container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The washing machine has several storage containers (7, 8) arranged in a drawer (6). In order to remove detergent from the storage containers (7, 8), an adapter unit (9) is provided, which can be suspended from above onto the storage containers (7, 8). There, the adapter unit is connected to suction pipes (34) and level sensors in order to remove detergent from the reservoirs (7, 8) and to measure the level of the detergent. Each storage container (7, 8) also has a filling opening (27a, 27b) in which an insert (50) is arranged, which has walls (54) projecting downwards and counteracting sloshing of the detergent.